Doctors discuss journies in the medical field
Dr. Ardolic and Dr. Basile, '02, sat down with members of MEDI and The Writing Studio to discuss their book, The Emergency Diaries: Stories from Doctors Inside the ER.
Doctors discuss book on experiences inside the ER
The doctors were in -- and they gave worthwhile advice to doctors of the next generation that may be walking Farrell's halls now.
On Oct. 21, students gathered in the Brother Henry S. Wright Learning Commons for a special collaboration between The Writing Studio and Medical Education Development Institute (MEDI). The Farrell organizations welcomed Dr. Brahim Ardolic, MD, Executive Director of Staten Island University Hospital, and Dr. Joesph Basile, '02, Chair of Emergency Medicine.
During this event Monsignor Farrell students were introduced to the pair's book, The Emergency Diaries: Stories from Doctors Inside the ER, published earlier this year.
Dr. Ardolic and Dr. Basile, 02, pose for a photo with members of The Writing Studio, moderated by Ms. Guerriero (center), and MEDI, moderated by Mrs. Palazzo (far right).
The book, which was published in April 2024, is a series of essays and stories written by real ER doctors, revealing the first-hand nature of the harrowing and hopeful tales that take place inside the emergency room at Staten Island University Hospital.
Students had a chance to get involved and engage in an interview session where they could dive deeper into the writing and publishing process of the book.
Dr. Ardolic mentioned how the writing process typically sees a loop of writing, followed by feedback and edits, until it's ready for publication. While he was used to such a process, he admitted the corrections doctors' pieces received form an editor rubbed them the wrong way initially.
"I had to explain to them that this is just [how] the process [works]," Dr. Ardolic said.
Students look on in the Learning Commons as Dr. Ardolic and Dr. Basile, '02, discuss their book.
Students also had a chance to get a glimpse into some of the challenges and rewards that come along with being an ER doctor and healthcare professional. For example, insight into how difficult it can be to give a family member bad news, or how challenging it can be to manage the balance between work and life.
When questioned what rules are in place when dealing with different patients and their various ailments, Dr. Ardolic and Dr. Basile both affirmed that, in truth, medical guidelines are not as black-and-white as they seem to be.
"Your focus is on helping to save your patient," Dr. Ardolic said.
Students were given signed copies of The Emergency Diaries: Stories from Doctors Inside the ER at the end of the event.
When asked if a sequel could perhaps be produced, Dr. Ardolic mentioned that he hopes to be able to produce a similar story that focuses on the experiences of nurses.
"If I can find enough [nurses] willing to contribute, I'll for sure push to [publish] it," Dr. Ardolic said.
At the end of the meeting each student in attendance received their own copy of the book to take home.
Special thanks to Miss Guerriero and Ms. Palazzo for organizing this inspiring event, as well as to Dr. Basile and Dr. Ardolic for the time they took out to talk to students.
The Lion is Monsignor Farrell's student digital newspaper. To read more articles from The Lion, click here.